Theft leader Willie T. quite a steal for Raiders

It's outside linebacker William Thomas, a 10-year NFL veteran and former Palo Duro standout the team signed just before the start of training camp.

Thomas had two more picks Sunday night to help Oakland to a 31-7 victory against the New York Jets in front of a sellout crowd of 62,632 at Network Associates Coliseum.

When the Raiders brought in the former Philadelphia linebacker, they probably didn't expect him to account for so many turnovers. True, he did have seven interceptions in 1995, but he entered the year with only 18 career interceptions.

But Thomas has been at the right place at the right time this season. He now has six interceptions on the year, and Sunday's performance was the second time this season he has picked off two passes in a game. He had two interceptions in a 36-10 victory over Cleveland, one of which he returned 46 yards for a touchdown.

"He has a good nose for the ball," fellow Raiders outside linebacker Elijah Alexander said. "That really helps the linebackers. He's been great for us. He's a pro."

Both of Thomas' interceptions killed crucial drives by the Jets. His first pick came early in the second quarter, stopping a 10-play possession in which New York drove from its 7-yard line to the Oakland 20. On third down, Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde tried to connect with fullback Richie Anderson out of the backfield. Anderson slipped running his route, and Thomas snagged the pass easily. That kept the game scoreless.

"I saw (Anderson) come out of the backfield and Testaverde tried to throw it right to him, but he slipped and fell," Thomas said. "I was just there waiting for the ball and was able to make the play."

Thomas' second interception dashed what was arguably the Jets' last real chance to get back in the game. Trailing 21-0, New York put together a couple of impressive plays to get to the Oakland 40. But Thomas timed a pass intended for running back Curtis Martin and picked it off.

The Raiders capitalized on the turnover, driving 63 yards on eight plays for a touchdown to make it 28-0 and essentially putting the contest out of reach.

"I had Martin man to man and the quarterback was scrambling," Thomas said. "I just ran with Martin and made a break on the ball."

Thomas entered the game with one more pick than Allen and it stayed that way because the Raiders cornerback had two interceptions as well, including one he returned 50 yards for a touchdown.

Thomas has a little personal contest going on with Allen. They were teammates for four years in Philadelphia.

"Eric and I are in a race," Thomas said. "I still want more. I have two more games. I'm not done yet."

It wasn't just Thomas' knack to get turnovers that helped Oakland produce one of its top defensive performances of the season. He also led the team with eight tackles.

Thomas helped the Raiders shut down Martin, who was coming off a 203-yard rushing effort last week in the Jets' 27-17 victory over Indianapolis. Against Oakland, Martin had a paltry 11 yards on 17 carries. He rushed for 14 yards on his first two carries, then minus-3 for the remainder of the game.

Many observers felt how the Raiders handled Martin would be a key to the game. Oakland allowed 199 yards rushing, including 128 to Jerome Bettis, in a 21-20 loss to Pittsburgh last week.

"This defense has pride. You never want to allow someone to run up and down the field on you," Alexander said. "We really focused on our scheme and made some adjustments."